With a large music industry such as Japan, the second largest in the world, music fans will inevitably be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of all this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on (obscure) gems, the decision has been made to create a weekly list of new music videos from Japanese music acts that are definitely worth watching and need some extra focus, with an emphasis on the lesser-known names.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 28 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
PURIKURA MIND – 世界残酷物語 (A Tale of World Cruelty)
This band has been around for just around two years, considering the four-member alternative rock band was formed in the summer of 2023 in the Tokyo metropolis with vocalist and guitarist Ryoto Ishitsu as the bandleader. In October that same year, they officially launched their activities and released their first digital single. Another single and an EP followed, with a few more singles afterwards, each showcasing their dedication and diverse musical influences. A full-length album seems, in my opinion, only a matter of time, but first, they will release their second EP in August. — Recommended by Francisca
HALCAMO – モーション (Motion)
This is the new single from singer-songwriter HALCAMO, who is also active in the pop duo 最後のリポン (Saigo no Ripon). In the new song, she reflects on the fleetingness, loneliness and the search for self-identity: ‘Who am I, amidst a crowd of people?’. HALCAMO started her solo project in 2023 and has since released several singles and an EP, writing, composing, mixing and creating her own visuals. Fun fact: as a big sentō fan, she produces a weekly podcast and makes vlogs in which she shares her love for sentō (public baths). — Recommended by Francisca
nene – Sweet Dream
If you attended any of KOIAI’s European shows earlier this month, you will likely recognise vocalist nene, who performed as a supporting vocalist for that tour (and soon for a show in Singapore). Besides solo activities, the singer-songwriter is also active in the rock band WHIMSY, but with her own project, she released her fourth single this week. She has been working steadily on her musical path for several years and is known for her literary lyrics, which are raw and true to life, and has a voice that has been described as both bright and melancholic. — Recommended by Francisca
唯美人形 (yubiningyou) – 桃源郷のふたり (Togenkyo no Futari)
Since their debut in 2022, this idol group has been exploring the boundary between beauty and impermanence with their concept of ‘dolls living in a decadent, aesthetic world’, which is inspired by 19th-century aesthetic idealism. 桃源郷のふたり (Togenkyo no Futari) was released early this year as part of a series of three singles released in a short period of time. It was also the first release since the group continued as a duo, with members Nana and Mika. The song is described as having a light, poppy sound, but with a dark undertone. — Recommended by Francisca
DADA GAUGUIN – One Last Wish
It has been a while since we shone the spotlight on DADA GAUGUIN, the solo project of nin, named after a painting by Max Ernst, who besides being a musician is also active as a director, producer and writer. But he has not been sitting still in the last few years, as he has produced several singles and collaborated on various projects, accompanied by animated videos. The most recent single and music video, One Last Wish, was released this week. In it, he delves deeply into the pursuit of a childhood dream, making it an extremely personal song by the solo musician. — Recommended by Francisca
Cikah – rot
Singer-songwriter Cikah began her career under a different name, but has been active under her current stage name since 2020. Since her name change, she released several digital singles before releasing her first full-length album in 2022. This album release was followed by several more digital singles, with rot being her first single for 2025. She is known for her husky vocals and makes music influenced by R&B, funk, soul, and acid jazz, with lyrics that often address social issues and evoke a strong sense of empathy. — Recommended by Francisca
冴夜 (Saya) – ジンジャーエール (Ginger Ale)
Since her debut in the spring of 2024, the young singer-songwriter Saya seems to have become a prominent name in the Japanese indie pop scene. Under the motto ‘Music for colourless nights’, the university student sings about youthful melancholy, based on her own experiences, with a clear voice and fresh pop melodies. She writes and composes all her songs herself, presents a weekly radio show on K-MIX, and completed in August 2024 an impressive 2,000-kilometre street tour through Japan. She has now released six singles, including ジンジャーエール (Ginger Ale), a single released at the end of 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
